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King Calls For Improved Broadband In Tribal Areas

Jose Luis Magana
/
AP File

Maine’s independent senator has joined a group of colleagues in calling for the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to make it easier for tribal communities to get access to broadband internet.

Sen. Angus King and others said FCC Chair Ajit Pai should extend the period for tribal governments to complete applications for wireless broadband and increased mobile coverage. King and the other senators said the window should be extended by 180 days.

King said extending the window is the right thing to do because tribal communities around the country have been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic and many need more time. He and the other senators wrote that “rural tribal communities represent some of the least connected people in America” and they need access to better service.